Sausage-Spinach Lasagna
Creamy, savory sausage and spinach lasagna with melted mozzarella, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings that love bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large 10-inch skillet over medium heat, brown sausage; drain off fat.
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 3-quart oblong baking dish.
- Stir remaining sauce and Italian seasonings into sausage; set aside.
- In a large mixer bowl at low speed, beat Ricotta cheese, thawed and squeezed dry spinach, Parmesan cheese, and eggs until blended.
- Layer half of the cooked lasagna noodles in the baking dish.
- Add half of the sausage mixture over the noodles.
- Spread half of the spinach mixture over the sausage layer.
- Repeat layering with remaining noodles, sausage mixture, and spinach mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese melts and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of bulk Italian sausage. You can also substitute cottage cheese for Ricotta for a similar texture. If you prefer a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles, which can simplify the layering process. This dish is perfect for meal prep and freezes well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf works well for soaking up the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Pan Bagna, creating a delicious Italian-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage-Spinach Lasagna contains roughly 400 calories, with 19g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 536mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, you'll need about 6-8 cups. Sauté it in a bit of olive oil until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the Ricotta. This will give your lasagna a fresher flavor and vibrant color.
What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a bolder flavor or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that using different cheeses may alter the overall taste slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).